What is the primary goal of the third stage of labor?

The primary goal of the third stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta. This stage occurs after the birth of the baby and is focused on the expulsion of the placenta and associated membranes from the uterus. It is crucial for several reasons: it helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage by ensuring that the uterus contracts effectively to seal off the blood vessels where the placenta was attached, and it is essential for the initiation of healing and recovery for the mother.

While the delivery of the fetus is the focus of the first stage of labor, sustaining maternal blood pressure is a critical consideration throughout the entire labor process, rather than specific to this stage. Monitoring fetal heart rate is vital during the labor process, especially during labor itself, but it is not a priority in the third stage, which is dedicated to placental delivery. Therefore, the correct choice reflects the specific and essential task that characterizes the third stage of labor.